“We know that every single kid out there is tired of the same old dance-pop record that gets released every single week. Our goal is to be the music scene’s saving grace,” says guitarist Mike Kitlas. “It will tell our listeners that we are here to stay and we are not a fad band that will fade out as soon as dance-pop is outdated.”
Free Your Mind extends beyond the cut-and-paste albums being churned out, instead infusing dynamic guitars behind the soul-shaking howls and relatable melodies from frontman Slade Echeverria. Crafted in Los Angeles by producer Mike Green (Paramore, Good Charlotte) over a four-week span in Los Angeles, Free Your Mind's formation came from a desire to break out from the "fad band" chokehold and delve into what was real.
The EP's lyrical themes of drama-addled love are age-appropriate for this band still fresh from cap and gown status, yet show emerging maturity and growth while navigating the waters of life on the road and in the press, as well as their loss of anonymity. Not one track doesn’t contain a purpose or reason ripped from the band’s own personal headlines, and the EP title wasn’t without a conscious peek into their agenda, either.
“We want to challenge kids to think outside of the norm, and really find themselves, rather then just following what the crowd is doing,” Kitlas said. “We want to show our listeners that they are not alone, we all go through our struggles and everyone has their ups and downs in life.”
The seven-track EP, kicks off with a mischievous call to a wayward paramour on “Let The Games Begin,” before sliding into the instant hip-shaking grooves of “The Brightest Green,” a slice of Maroon 5-ish soul that takes on a life of its own. Anarbor takes a familiar formula but adds a warmth and genuineness to every guitar lick and lyric that keeps them relatable yet unique. Each track seamlessly follows the next, spinning clever lyrics and brisk guitars, and each adds another deft chapter to this memorable volume.
“The distinctive sound we are reaching for is rock and roll. We don't use any instruments in our songs that we don’t play live, we are going for a very raw and real sound for this record,” Kitlas said. When noted that shared influences range from Third Eye Blind to Red Hot Chili Peppers, it’s even more apparent where the EP’s driving and fully-executed rock-based energy gained its roots.
The easy nature and chemistry of the band from Phoenix, Arizona, formed in 2003 is more than just a cosmic luck for an emerging band. Because this, in years of formation, is by no means a freshman band. Echeverria and Kitlas became friends in grade school, and continued to grow up experiencing many life-changing events together, securing a bond that eventually extended to music, and a decision to make it their ultimate ambition. The band signed to Hopeless Records before they even received their high school diplomas.
More than just a sum of its parts, the writing process for Anarbor is a group united, with each member adding input in acoustic jam sessions that allows everyone to collaborate and contribute creatively. It’s a cohesion that allowed each member’s personal preferences and talents shine when it came to recording.
Sharing the stage with everyone from Fall Out Boy to the Gin Blossoms, as well as a coveted spot on this year’s Take Action! Tour, Anarbor is gaining steady recognition as the diverse band to watch among a sea of faux rock ‘n rollers. This motivated and utterly gifted band will resonate with any listener who knows a thing or two about learning who you are and putting your ambitions into motion.
“We want people to walk away feeling comforted and confident in themselves,” Kitlas said. “Music is a universal language that everyone can relate to. We talk about our real life stories, feelings and situations. You can expect real music and real lyrics, no filler.”
Contagious
Anarbor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She said, "Don't breathe in too deep, you might choke up all the words you don't swallow."
She said, "Don't take too big a step."
She said, "Don't run too fast, you might trip over the life that you follow."
I get my way, I get my way.
Can't explain it.
I get my way
I don't need your direction. (I'm catchin' up to you.)
And I see my imperfections. (They're creeping up on me.)
And I don't need your direction. (I'm catchin' up to you.)
Don't turn down the bed, 'cause I'm not comin' home.
I told her keep her money straight,
"Don't spend it all in one place, you might find yourself too broke to borrow."
I told her life is gonna fade,
"Don't let the youth go to waste, you'll soon drown yourself all up in your sorrow."
I get my way, I get my way.
Can't explain it.
I get my way
I don't need your direction. (I'm catchin' up to you.)
And I see my imperfections. (They're creeping up on me.)
And I don't need your direction. (I'm catchin' up to you.)
Don't turn down the bed, 'cause I'm not comin' home.
I'm runnin' dry,
Is this real life?
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
So cut me loose, this has gone too far,
I'm getting there while I still have a shot.
I get my way
I don't need your direction. (I'm catchin' up to you.)
And I see my imperfections. (They're creeping up on me.)
And I don't need your direction. (I'm catchin' up to you.)
Don't turn down the bed, 'cause I'm not comin'...
Don't turn down the bed, 'cause I'm not comin' home,
I'm not comin' home.
No, not tonight.
Send "Contagious" Ringtone to your Cell
The lyrics to Anarbor feat. Ryan Hunter & Sierra Kusterbeck's song Contagious are about breaking free from the limitations and expectations of others. The verses are a conversation between two people, cautioning each other to be careful and not make mistakes. However, the chorus is the singer's internal dialogue, asserting that they will do things their way and achieve what they want. The singer sees their imperfections and acknowledges that they have no specific direction in life, but they're catching up to everyone on their own terms.
The song is a call to action to take control of one's own life and not let the opinions of others define it. The lyrics highlight that it's necessary to take risks and that failure might happen, but it’s a part of growth. By not playing it safe, the singer is living life to the fullest. The bridge conveys a feeling of desperation, and the singer realizes they need to make a change before it's too late. Overall, the song is about self-discovery, finding a direction that works for you, and not allowing yourself to be held back.
Line by Line Meaning
He said, "Don't take too big a breath."
He warned that taking too deep a breath might cause problems.
She said, "Don't breathe in too deep, you might choke up all the words you don't swallow."
She advised against taking in too much air because it might result in choking.
She said, "Don't take too big a step."
She cautioned against making overly ambitious moves.
She said, "Don't run too fast, you might trip over the life that you follow."
She warned that moving too quickly might lead to mistakes and regrets.
I get my way, I get my way.
The singer is confident in their ability to get what they want.
Can't explain it.
The reason for the singer's success is unclear.
I don't need your direction. (I'm catchin' up to you.)
The singer is self-directed and doesn't require guidance from others.
And I see my imperfections. (They're creeping up on me.)
The singer is aware of their flaws and fears their negative impact.
Don't turn down the bed, 'cause I'm not comin' home.
The singer won't be returning home tonight.
I told her keep her money straight,
The singer advised someone to be mindful of their finances.
"Don't spend it all in one place, you might find yourself too broke to borrow."
The singer cautioned against reckless spending that could lead to financial insecurity.
I told her life is gonna fade,
The singer believes life is temporary and fleeting.
"Don't let the youth go to waste, you'll soon drown yourself all up in your sorrow."
The singer urged someone to make the most of their youth to avoid future regrets and unhappiness.
I'm runnin' dry,
The singer is feeling drained and depleted.
Is this real life?
The singer is questioning the reality of their situation.
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
The singer feels trapped and without options.
So cut me loose, this has gone too far,
The singer wants to be released from their current situation because it has become too overwhelming.
I'm getting there while I still have a shot.
The singer is striving to achieve their goals while they still have the opportunity.
Don't turn down the bed, 'cause I'm not comin'...
The singer reiterates that they won't be returning home.
Don't turn down the bed, 'cause I'm not comin' home,
See above.
I'm not comin' home.
The singer is not returning to their place of residence.
No, not tonight.
The singer emphasizes that they won't be returning home tonight.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Evan Taubenfeld, Avril Lavigne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind